Collapsible load carrying device



April 16, 1963 F. H. DOUGHERTY 3,085,815

COLLAPSIBLE LOAD CARRYING DEVICE Filed Dec. 28, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR A ril 16, 1963 F. H. DOUGHERTY 3,035,315

COLLAPSIBLE LOAD CARRYING DEVICE Filed Dec. 28, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

United States Patent 3,085,815 COLLAPSIBLE LOAD CARRYING DEVICE Frank H. Dougherty, 405 Atkins Ave., Lancaster, Pa. Filed Dec. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 79,075 3 Claims. (Cl. 280-4733) This invention relates to improvements in load carrying devices such as lawn carts, wheel barrows and clothes hampers.

With the exodus today from the crowded row type city home to the suburban house with a larger lawn and garden, there is greater demand for lawn carts and wheelbarrows. But these implements are by nature bulky and most home owners find storing them a problem. Investigation of the prior art reveals many attempts to fold such implements but when they are made entirely from such rigid material as metal or wood, a folding design results in a complicated system of joints. If a rigid frame is used to support a flimsy container made from material such as cloth it may be designed to fold easily, but the flimsy nature of the container makes it undesirable for some purposes such as carrying dirt or fertilizer or ashes because it is difficult to use a shovel in a container unless its bottom is rather firm and hard and smooth.

The words fold or collapsible as used in this specification have the broad meaning of substantial reduction of dimensions at least in one direction, by such process. The word resilient as used herein does not refer to that elastic property such as found in soft rubber, but to that property such as found in many woods and in hard steel, which, if an object possesses, attempts, after bending, to return to its original shape, providing the elastic limit of the material has not been exceeded.

It is one object of this invention, therefore, to provide a foldable load carrying device utilizing the attractive foldability of a flexible, non-resilient material for the container, and yet providing said container with a hard and smooth bottom by insertion of a resilient liner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device wherein a flexible resilient member when curved in one direction cooperates with a collapsible container to give depth and effective rigidity thereto, and reversal of said curved movement initiates the collapse of said container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device wherein a resilient member is pivotally mounted to a rigid frame at one point, said resilient member when arched in one direction cooperating with a flimsy container supported by said frame to give effective depth and rigidity to said container.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device in which the flexible properties of one member through curved contour provides depth to a flimsy container, while diminution of the curve initiates collapse of the container through the resilient properties of said first mentioned member.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device in which a resilient member when curved in one direction carries a wheel and axle assembly away from a rigid frame while simultaneously expanding a flimsy container supported by said frame.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device in which the top edges of a collapsible container arev given effective stiffness by the tension supplied by a flexible, resilient, curvable frame which is attachable to said container, adjacent its top edges.

Another object of this invention is to provide a collapsible load carrying device comprising a collapsible container fashioned to assume a cavity shape, a resilient member flexible in one plane and attachable for pivotal movement adjacent one end of said container, means adacent opposite end of said container for locking said resilient member in position when curved to provide ngidity of shape to said container.

The invention is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions, some of which are illustrated III the accompanying drawings, but it is to be expressly understood that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not to be construed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for that purpose.

Referring in detail to the drawings wherein the same reference numbers are employed to designate corresponding parts in several figures:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 broken off at substantially the center thereof.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG- URE 1 when collapsed and the resilient member substantially flat.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 5 and 6 show the pivoted frame of FIGURE 4 in its folded position.

FIGURE 7 is another embodiment of the invention wherein a second container of greater capacity is attachable to the standard container frame.

FIGURE 8 is a side view of the invention as embodied in a wheelbarrow.

FIGURE 9 is the rear view of the embodiment of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is the rear view of the embodiment of FIGURES 8 and 9 in its folded condition, after the liner is removed.

FIGURE 11 shows the resilient liner as it appears detached from the embodiment of FIGURES 8 and 9.

FIGURE 12 is a top view of the wheel and axle assembly and the two frame side members pivoted thereto.

FIGURES 13 and 14 delineate the manner in which a rigid metal pan type container can replace the collapsible container in the wheelbarrow embodiment.

FIGURE 15 is a side view of an embodiment of this invention similar to that shown in FIGURES 4, 5, and 6 except that the wheels and axle assembly have been replaced by two legs I l-A.

FIGURE 16 delineates one way in which a handle may be attached to the liner of the cart if the embodiment is similar to that shown in FIGURE 1.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGURES 1 and 2, the container body '1 is fashioned of flexible nonresilient material such as fabrics or plastic to provide a cavity 4 when the liner 2 is forced into a curve and presses against the bottom face of the container 1. Said container body 1 has eyelets 3 at each corner. The liner 2 is provided with hooks 6, which in this embodiment are extensions of cross rods 5, that are insertable into said eyelets 3. The length of the liner is such that when the hooks 6 are all in their respective eyelets 3, there is sufficient pressure against the container body to produce rigidity of shape. Since the liner 2 is of resilient material it attempts to return to its flattened state, this results in a suflicient degree of tension lengthwise between the eyelets to produce effective stiffness in the top edges of the container body 1. In the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2, the Wheel and axle assembly 7 and 8 includes a stabilizing leg 10. This assembly is fastened to the liner and container body by means. in this case, of bolts 9. In the embodiment being described. it is necessary to unloosen or unbutton the hooks 6 from their eyelets 3 at only one end to accomplish the collapse of the container, as shown in FIGURE 3. The

resilience of the liner can be such that the collapse comes about almost automatically with the release of the container at one end from its eyelets. The eyelets at the other end may remain fastened to their hooks. In fact, it has proven of benefit in this embodiment to have them so remain, for then to reform the container into its full depth for load carrying use it is only necessary to take hold of the two loose eyelets and pull them back towards their respective hooks. It is a very simple and easy operation, and when the hooks 6 are again in their eyelets 3, rigidity of shape has been restored.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of another embodiment of this invention, comprising a frame of resilient material in two sections 11 and 12 pivoted together on the axle 13. A leg 14 firmly attached to 11 cooperates with the wheels 7 to stabilize the device when standing on the ground. A container body 15 with extending ears 16 at each corner, possessing eyelets 17 to receive the complementary hooks 13 of frame members 11 and 12, is given effective rigidity of shape along its top edge by reason of the tension exerted by the frame members 11 and 12 because of their resilient properties. While this embodiment does not have the advantages of a smooth hard bottom as provided in the embodiments of FIGURES l and 2 it may be more desirous for some purposes wherein such surface is not needed and when it may be desirable to frequently remove the container. This embodiment of FIGURE 4 also has a desirable feature of a foidable frame as parts 11 and 12 are pivoted around their mutual pivot point 13, as shown in the side view of this embodiment in FIGURE 5. FIGURE 6 is a plan view of this folded frame. The container in this case has not been shown as it simply has been removed, although in this embodiment as in that of FIGURES l and 2 it could remain attached at one end. This folding feature may prove very desirable if an unusually high container were in demand for the purpose of collecting dry leaves or other light material. This type of provision, however, has been provided for in another embodiment FIGURE 7 similar to that disclosed in FIGURES 1 and 2.

The bottom section of FIGURE 7 is different from the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGURE 1 in that it possesses a U-shaped frame 19 which supports the container body 20 from the legs of the frame passing through two hems 21 at the top of the container body 20. At the closed end of the U frame 19 a resilient liner 22 is pivotally mounted to rotate around point 24. The opposite end of liner 22 possesses hooks 25 similar to 6 as shown in FIGURE 1 which are received by eyelets 26 that are fastened to the ends of the U frame. To collapse this embodiment of the invention, the eyelets 26 need only be removed from their hooks 26 by simply spreading the two legs of the U frame and unhooking them, and the tension in the resilient member 22 immediately attempts to assume a fiat position causing the collapse of said container body 20 to a position much like that shown in FIGURE 3.

The upper section of FIGURE'7 is a side view of a supplementary container 27 which can be considerably larger than the container body 20 for the purposes of carrying dry leaves or other light material. This container is attached in any suitable way to two U shaped supports 28, which possess in this case studs 29 that are insertable into holes 30 provided in frame 19. N0 reference has been made in this embodiment to the wheels and stabilizing leg as they are similar to those disclosed in FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURES 8, 9 and 12 show an embodiment of this invention as it may be expressed in a wheelbarrow. In this embodiment a wheel 31 supports an axle 32 to which two side frame members 33 are pivotally mounted at points 34 for rotation around axes at 90 degrees to the wheel axis. When pivoted side frame members 33 are in position for load carrying purposes sections 35 and 36 (FIGURE 12) are in alinement so that the brace 37 can pivot on its axis 38 until it holds both sections 35 and 36, of the respective side members, in its channel groove as shown in FIGURE 8. Pin 39 is then inserted in the holes 40 of 37 to lock it in this position. Two other side frame members 41, a right hand and a left hand unit, each contain loops 42 which retain the two corresponding members 33 to 41 and yet permits relative rotation. Pins 43 confine both members 41 to a predetermined position longitudinally with respect to members 41. A pair of rails 44 run lengthwise between the top ends of each member 41. These rails may be fastened to members 41 in any suitable way, in the embodiment shown the rails have holes at each end which drop over corresponding studs in members 41 and are held in place by retaining rings 45'. The collapsible container 46 has hems at the top on each side which receive aforesaid rails and thus support the container from the frame. Cross members 47 are each pivoted at points 48. When the wheelbarrow is adjusted for use, these cross braces 47 engage studs 49 which rigidly protrude from members 41. These studs '49 have holes into which pins 50 are inserted. Cross members 47 also have corresponding holes at a point where they cross at the center. When a pin 51 is inserted through these holes the frame is effectively rigid to carry a relatively heavy load. Container 46 receives further rigidity of shape and a smooth hard bottom when the resilient liner 52 is inserted into the container cavity. This is done by first inserting the studs 53, which are rigidly attached to resilient member 52 through its cross bar 54, into their respective holes in frame members 41. Then by pressing resilient member 52 down into the cavity of container 46, the cross bar 55 at the other end of the resilient member can be fastened to the flattened section 56 of rails 44 by means of the cross bar slots 57. There is enough resilience in the frame, as designed, to make this fastening a simple operation and the same resilience is sufficient to keep the slots 57 engaged over the flat sections 56 when carrying a load.

FIGURE 10 shows how the wheelbarrow looks when the liner 52 has been removed and the frame folded together. FIGURE 11 gives additional detail of the liner and its studs and slots. As stated above when the frame of this wheelbarrow embodiment is adjusted for use and its cross bracings locked in place, it is very rigid for carrying substantial loads. Consequently, I have shown as a further embodiment of this invention a rigid pan type container 58 replacing the collapsible container 46 as delineated in FIGURE 13. To do this, rails 44 must be removed by removing their retaining rings 45. Four clips 59 as shown in FIGURE 14, a forward pair to embrace side frame members 41 and rearward pair to embrace members 33, are ample to securely fasten said pan to said frame. This attachment process is so obvious that I have felt the illustrations of FIGURES 13 and 14, limited as they are, suflicient, taken with the word description to require no further drawings. Hand gripping areas are shown by extensions 60 in FIGURES 8 and 9.

FIGURE 15 is the same embodiment of this invention as shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 6, except that the wheels and axle have been omitted and a second leg 14-A added for stabilization.

Handles were omitted in FIGURES 1 through 7 because a handle is not pertinent to this invention. Also the top edges of the carts shownprovide convenient areas for the hands to grasp the cart. However, since in actual practice, when the cart is made for public use, a handle will probably be provided, I have shown in FIGURE 16 how a suitable handle can be provided for a cart of the type shown in FIGURE 1. The handle 61 as shown is a round piece ofwood with a slot in one end, An extension 62 of the liner 2 is provided to receive this handle. Suitable matching holes in the handle and the extension are provided to receive rivets or bolts 63 and thus effect a firm and rigid connection of the handle to the cart.

While the embodiments of the invention illustrated on the drawings have been described with considerable particularity, it is to be expressly understood that the invention is not restricted thereto, as the same is capable of receiving a variety of mechanical expressions that will now be apparent to those skilled in the art, while changes may be made in details of construction, arrangement and proportions of parts, and certain features used without other features, without departing from the spirit of this invention. Reference is, therefore, to be had to the appended claims for a definition of said invention.

I claim:

1. In a load carrying device, a collapsible container made from flexible non-resilient material tailored to provide a cavity whose open mouth is substantially rectangular in shape, attachment means in said container adjacent each end of said open mouth, a rectangular member fabricated from relatively hard material with good resilient properties, possessing attachment means adjacent each end which engage attachment means in said container when said rectangular member is bent under stress into a downward arc of predetermined depth, said resilient properties creating tension in the mouth of said container to produce and maintain its openmouthed shape, said rectangular member possessing a normal unstressed posture of substantially a fiat plane so than detachment of said attachment means at one end of said open mouth will cause the collapse of said load carrying device, and means for supporting said device in an upright position.

2. In a load carrying device, a resilient member, capable of being flexed into an arcuate plane, whose normal unstressed posture is approximately a flat plane, a collapsible container of flexible non-resilient material whose Walls are tailored to produce a cavity possessing an open mouth approximating a rectangular shape, attachment means in said container adjacent each end of said open mouth, attachment means adjacent each end of said resilient member, said resilient member cooperating with said container through said attachment means when said resilient member is pressed downward into an arcuate shape to produce said open mouth and maintain the same under suflicient tension for load carrying purposes, and means to support said load carrying device in an upright position.

3. In a collapsible load carrying device, an openrnouthed collapsible container of flexible non-resilient material whose bottom is fashioned to define an arcuate shape, a resilient member Whose unstressed posture defines a flat plane, attachment means adapted to join said resilient member to said openmouthed container when said resilient member is forced into a downward are against the inside surface of the arcuate shaped bottom of said container, and means for supporting said load carrying device in an upright position.

4. In a collapsible load carrying device, a collapsible container of flexible non-resilient material tailored to provide an openmouthed cavity whose bottom forms an arcuate plane, eyelets in said container adjacent each end of said open mouth, a rectangular member fabricated from a relatively hard sheet of resilient material possessing attachment means for cooperating with said eyelets when said rectangular member is pressed downward against the arcuate shaped bottom of said container to produce and maintain under tension said open mouth, and means for supporting said load carrying device in an upright position.

:5. In a collapsible load carrying device, a resilient member of relatively hard material whose unstressed posture is approximately a flat plane, a collapsible container of flexible non-resilient material fashioned to assume an open mouth cavity shape with a bottom defining an arcuate plane when said resilient member is pressed down into said cavity, means adapted for securing said resilient member to said container when said resilient member is pressed against the bottom of said container, and means for supporting said device in an upright position.

6. in a collapsible load carrying device, a rectangular, resilient member capable of being flexed under stress into an arcuate plane in downward direction, a container of flexible non-resilient material fashioned to define an openmouthed cavity with arcuate shaped bottom when said resilient member is pressed down into said container with sufiicient tension to produce effective rigidity and depth to said load carrying device, means adapted for attaching said resilient member to said container under tension to preserve said effective depth and rigidity, and means for supporting said load carrying device in an upright position.

7. in a load carrying device, a collapsible container of flexible, non-resilient material fashioned to define an openmouthed cavity, a resilient member whose unstressed posture is approximately a flat plane capable of being formed under stress into a downward arc, attachment means adjacent each end of said resilient member adapted to securely grip each end of said open mouth in said container when said resilient member is stressed into a downward are thereby introducing tension into the edges of said open mouth, means for supporting said load carrying device in an upright position.

8. In a load carrying device, a collapsible container of flexible, non-resilient material fashioned to produce an openmout-hed cavity, a resilient member whose unstressed posture is approximately a fiat plane capable of being formed under stress into a downward arc, attachment means adjacent opposite ends of said resilient member adapted for attachment to opposite ends of said open mouthed cavity when said resilient member is stressed into said downward are thereby introducing tension in the edges of said open mouth, the total of said tension being divided equally into two forces pulling in opposite directions, and means for supporting said load carrying device in an upright position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,823,923 Marquardt Feb. 18, 1958 2,896,960 Whiting July 28, 1959 2,948,287 Rupert Aug. 9, 1960 2,992,011 Becan July 11, 1961 

1. IN A LOAD CARRYING DEVICE, A COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER MADE FROM FLEXIBLE NON-RESILIENT MATERIAL TAILORED TO PROVIDE A CAVITY WHOSE OPEN MOUTH IS SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR IN SHAPE, ATTACHMENT MEANS IN SAID CONTAINER ADJACENT EACH END OF SAID OPEN MOUTH, A RECTANGULAR MEMBER FABRICATED FROM RELATIVELY HARD MATERIAL WITH GOOD RESILIENT PROPERTIES, POSSESSING ATTACHMENT MEANS ADJACENT EACH END WHICH ENGAGE ATTACHMENT MEANS IN SAID CONTAINER WHEN SAID RECTANGULAR MEMBER IS BENT UNDER STRESS INTO A DOWNWARD ARC OF PREDETERMINED DEPTH, SAID RESILIENT PROPERTIES CREATING TENSION IN THE MOUTH OF SAID CONTAINER TO PRODUCE AND MAINTAIN ITS OPENMOUTHED SHAPE, SAID RECTANGULAR MEMBER POSSESSING A NORMAL UNSTRESSED POSTURE OF SUBSTANTIALLY A FLAT PLANE SO THAN DETACHMENT OF SAID ATTACHMENT MEANS AT ONE END OF SAID OPEN MOUTH WILL CAUSE THE COLLAPSE OF SAID LOAD CARRYING DEVICE, AND MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID DEVICE IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION. 